La. man charged in shooting death of homeless Denver man

A Gonzales man has been formally charged by Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey in the shooting death of a homeless Denver man that occurred in early November.

Makhail Anthony Purpera, 29, allegedly shot and killed Wayland Busy, 54, on November 5 while trying to steal marijuana and other belongings from him. Officials say Busy was living in a tent in south Denver when his body was found by a Denver Park Ranger during a routine check of the area.

Purpera is currently in custody at the Denver Detention Center. He will appear in court there for a preliminary hearing on January 23, 2017.

Purpera is also wanted in Gonzales on two counts of attempted murder for a shooting that occurred on August 22.